Why Indoor Air Quality Matters in Winter
Temperatures are falling and winter is just around the corner. As the days get shorter and the weather changes, most of us spend more time indoors. Studies show that in the UK, we spend up to 90% of our time inside during the cooler months. The amount of time we spend in enclosed spaces underlines the importance of improving indoor air quality in winter when natural ventilation is limited. Reducing indoor air pollution can lower the risk of respiratory illnesses and promote a healthier home environment.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore common causes of poor indoor air quality and share tips to help you reduce the risk of indoor air pollution this winter.
Common Causes of Poor Indoor Air Quality in the Winter
The quality of indoor air can decrease during the colder months. Poor indoor air quality, combined with spending more time indoors, increases the risk of the effects of indoor air pollution, such as respiratory illnesses. Common causes of poor air quality during the colder months include:
- Limited natural ventilation: Plunging temperatures mean that most people keep their windows and doors closed, contributing to limited natural ventilation.
- Increased use of heating systems: During the coldest spells of the year, the average person in the UK has their heating on for 5-8 hours per day. The increased use of heating systems, including radiators and standalone heaters, can lower indoor air quality.
- Indoor allergens and pollutants: Indoor allergens and pollutants from dust, pet hair, cleaning and cooking can impact air quality. Smoking indoors also increases the risk of air pollution dramatically.
Understanding the causes of reduced indoor air quality during the winter can help homeowners reduce exposure to triggers and make changes to improve air quality and reduce the risk of indoor air pollution.
Indoor Air Quality Improvement Checklist for UK Homes
Being proactive in identifying common causes of poor indoor air quality and finding solutions can help improve air quality in your home this winter. You can use this handy checklist for UK homes to tackle poor-quality indoor air effectively:
- Clean air ducts and HVAC filters regularly: Stick to a routine cleaning schedule to optimise performance and longevity, improve indoor air quality and lower your energy bills. During winter, when you use your heating system frequently, it’s beneficial to change filters every 1-3 months.
- Test indoor air quality: Testing indoor air quality provides insights into the quality of the air inside your home. If the results are negative, you can make changes to improve air quality and reduce risks. You can find home air quality monitors online to suit all budgets.
- Control humidity to prevent mould growth: Mould is one of the most common problems we experience in our homes when there’s too much moisture and a lack of ventilation. If you spot black patches in your bathroom, or there are damp areas on the walls or ceilings, there are steps you can take to manage humidity. Using a dehumidifier is an excellent idea. You can also buy household products to tackle mould. In more serious cases, you may need professional help. Data from the UK Health Security Agency shows that up to 2 million people live in homes with significant damp or mould issues.
- Add air-purifying houseplants: A NASA study revealed that adding plants to your home environment can help boost air quality by removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Examples of air-purifying houseplants include peace lilies, aloe vera, weeping figs, spider plants, bamboo and Boston ferns.
Easy Ways to Test Indoor Air Quality at Home
Testing indoor air quality in your home is one of the best ways to identify risk factors and enhance indoor air quality. There are various methods available, including:
- Using an indoor air quality monitor: Affordable indoor air quality monitors detect key pollutants and changes in the levels of contaminants in your home. Your device will assess the quality of indoor air and flag issues, such as high levels of carbon dioxide and particulate matter (PM). Some monitors also double up as carbon monoxide detectors.
- Monitoring common pollutants: Keeping an eye on common pollutants can reduce the risk of air pollution and poor-quality indoor air. Examples include allergens and carbon monoxide. It’s also beneficial to monitor humidity levels.
- Assessing individual health: Changes in air quality and increased indoor air pollution can impact your health, especially if you have a respiratory condition or underlying health problems. Note down any symptoms you experience, which may be linked to indoor air quality, such as headaches, coughing and wheezing.
Identifying risk factors for poor indoor air quality will enable you to make informed decisions to improve air quality this winter.
Tips for Reducing Indoor Air Pollution This Winter
To reduce indoor air pollution in your home this winter, here’s a handy list of tips:
- Open windows and doors for brief spells when the weather permits to boost natural ventilation
- Minimise the use of synthetic fragrances and harsh cleaning agents
- Use air purifiers in living spaces and bedrooms
- Add air-purifying plants
- Use an extractor fan or open the windows when cooking
- Ensure bathrooms are ventilated properly
- Use a dehumidifier to control humidity and lower the risk of mould growth and condensation
- Avoid smoking and vaping indoors
- Schedule regular services and checks for HVAC systems
Following these simple steps can help reduce the risk of indoor air pollution and common effects, such as increased susceptibility to respiratory symptoms and excess moisture, which can cause mould and damp patches. The World Health Organization attributes over 6.7 million premature deaths worldwide to indoor air pollution every year.
When to Consider Professional Indoor Air Quality Services
There are simple measures you can employ to improve indoor air quality at home during winter, but in some cases, it’s beneficial to seek professional advice. Examples include:
- Persistent musty smells or visible mould growth: Lingering musty, stale odours and visible mould growth indicate excess moisture and poor indoor air quality in your home. If you detect a damp smell when you walk into a room, there are discoloured patches on the walls, or you can see mould, it’s wise to get expert advice and consider using professional air quality services.
- Poor indoor air quality despite efforts to tackle causes and risk factors: If you’ve ticked every box on the checklist and you’re still having difficulties improving the quality of the air in your home, contact professional services. Experts will be able to pinpoint causes and find effective solutions.
- Consistent respiratory symptoms: Low-quality indoor air increases the risk of respiratory illnesses ranging from asthma and COPD to lung cancer. If you have persistent symptoms, or your symptoms have got worse, it’s important to get help. Your home environment could be making your condition worse. Professional inspections can highlight and address stubborn, hard-to-spot issues and pave the way for improved air quality through targeted, tailored solutions.
Conclusion: Preparing for a Healthier Winter Indoors
It’s tempting to retreat indoors and hibernate when it’s cold and grey outside. As temperatures tumble, it’s important to think about indoor air quality in your home. Taking simple steps can help you identify risk factors for indoor air pollution and implement changes to improve indoor air quality. If you have any concerns about indoor air pollution, or you need advice about tackling mould, maintaining HVAC systems or purifying indoor air, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice. Absolute Climate Solutions specialises in tailored indoor air quality services, providing effective, affordable solutions for homeowners.
Need Help with Improving Indoor Air Quality in Your Home? Call ACS today!
If you need help with improving indoor air quality in your home, get in touch with the friendly, experienced team at ACS today to learn more about services or schedule a professional inspection.